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Odisha Part 7: The Rajarani Temple, Bhubaneshwar

The Rajarani Temple in Bhubaneshwar gets its name from the stone used to build it - the red and yellow sandstone used here is locally called Rajarani. This temple was once known as the Indreshwara temple, which is mentioned in the Ekamra Purana, which tells us about the temples of Bhubaneshwar, which was then known as Ekamra Kshetra. Today, the temple stands in a well-maintained lawn, and is the only ticketed monument within the city. The temple is built in the typical Kalinga style, with the tall curvilinear shikara over the garbagruha , and a jagamohana connected to it. The temple is believed to date back to the 11 th century, and is most well known for its sculptures. The entrance to the temple has two pillars with a Naga couple protecting the sanctum, holding garlands in their hands. The base of the pillar shows 3 lions standing over 3 elephants, a typical motif in temples of this region during this period. On the other side of the pillar is a horse and rider, and the two mo...

Summer Holidays are here!

Summer Holidays are here , and finally, I can get away from this city. I am off for a whole month this time, but before you start envying me, I will be with relatives most of the time, registering my attendance at family events. Yes, of course, there is a little bit of touring thrown in too... I am first headed to Coorg, for two short days, just to get some much needed R&R! Later, I am spending a day in Fort Kochi and another couple of days at Cherai Beach.  I will try to show you bits of my holiday, if the internet gods smile down on me, but please follow me on Facebook ,  Twitter , and Instagram where I shall try to post regular updates during this month. 

Birds from my Window - Black Kites

I see them all the time , soaring above the trees, their screech audible as I sit typing... or trying to type :) This is that time of the year when their screeches become shriller, and they build their nests atop the coconut trees. These are the Black Kites which nest in our colony, year after year...

Stories of Bombay - St. Thomas' Cathedral

I passed this church often , but was always too busy to enter. When I did enter, after years of wondering what it would be like on the inside, I stood transfixed, by the sheer beauty of its elaborate stained glasses and the multitudes of marble memorials. This is the St. Thomas’ Cathedral in Fort, Mumbai, the first Anglican Church of Bombay, built in 1718. seen on the first step of the church.

Elections 2014 - the complications in getting our fingers inked!

“I have an election ID card, but I can’t find my name on the voting list.”   “I have received two voting slips, one from my address before marriage, and the present one. Which do I use to vote?”   “My husband has got his voting slip, and my name is on the electoral list. Why isn’t my name on your list?” These were just a few of the questions I heard as I awaited my turn today, for exercising my right to vote.  By these standards, mine was an easy task, in spite of the fact that I had mislaid my election ID card!

Earth Day - Images from Dandeli

On the occasion of Earth Day , I am sharing with you, some of my images from Dandeli, in Karnataka.

Birds from my window - Asian Koel

"कुहू कुहू बोले कोयलिया "  (kuhu kuhu bole koyaliya) ..so go the words of a popular Hindi song. The Koyal or the Cuckoo (Asian Koel) is a popular bird in Indian culture and folklore, highly appreciated for its song. It has sometimes been called 'The Indian Nightingale' for the same reason. 

Inside the Victoria Terminus... ( Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus )

It is a building which has fascinated me, ever since I can remember. Waiting on the platform, I used to look around, trying to take in as much of the architecture as I possibly could, or try to decipher the faces on the pillars. It imbued me with such a pride for our heritage, that, when a cleanliness drive took place, I actually picked fights with people I saw littering. When it was declared a World Heritage Site, I couldn’t be happier, especially when I noticed how the restoration work showed off the building and its beauty even better. Yes, I am talking of the Victoria Terminus, or, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) as it is now called.